Israeli scientists grow vineyards in the desert

Winemakers and vineyard owners from France, Italy and other EU countries are visiting Israeli researchers in the Negev to learn how to withstand climate change. This is stated in the article "Farmer's Review of the World Press" on Kurkul.com. As noted, the air in the Negev Desert is as dry as the earth. But on top of a mountain range near the town of Mitzpe Ramon, rows of vines sprout from the scorched soil, the only glimmer of greenery in the desert landscape. These sprouts are part of an experimental vineyard where researchers are studying how grapes can grow in the extreme conditions that dominate the region of southern Israel. In the Negev, which means "dryness" in Hebrew, only about 100 mm of rain falls annually, most of it during downpours. The temperature can reach 38 ℃ during the day and fall below zero on winter nights. However, in recent years, more than two dozen wineries have appeared in the area, as well as a thriving wine tourism business. It all started in 2014 with ...